ST87M01 Soracom Sim Compatibility

[RIchard Klosinski]

I'm trying to use a Soracom SIM to experiment with the ST87M01 on the plan01s. Its not clear how to set the APN using the ST87M01. I tried AT+CGDCONT=1,"IPV4V6","soracom.io", but kept getting an +CME ERROR: 4.

Any advice?

[RIchard Klosinski]

I connected the evkitst87m01-2 to the Nucleo64u5. registered and installed the provided sim, and loaded the wifi location demo app. I connected up 2 usb serial ports so i can see the conversation between the U5 and the ST87, and that is below. note that the xxxxx.net is just a placeholder for the real apn, as im not sure if that is specific to me or not. 

So the code just runs and never registers on the network. Im in the US if that matters.

#REBOOT_RESET
#SIMST: 1
AT#NVMRD=5,12,1
#NVMRD: 08
OKATE0
+CEREG: 2,"","",,,,"",""
OK
OK
AT+CMEE=1
AT+CEREG=5
OK
AT+CSCON=1
OK
AT#SLEEPIND=0x1F
OK
AT#WDGMODE=0
OK
AT#TEMPLIMIT=-40,85,-45,110,0,1
OK
AT#VBATLIMIT=2200,3000,2000,3200,1,0,0
OK
AT+CFUN=0
+CEREG: 0,"","",,,,"",""
OK
AT+CGDCONT=1,"IPV4V6","xxxxx.net"
OK
AT#BANDSEL=20,8
OK
AT#BANDCFG=0,0,20,01,7910
OK
AT#BANDCFG=0,1,0,2,1,100,0
OK
AT#BANDCFG=0,2,0,2,1,100,100
OK
AT#BANDCFG=0,3,0,2,1,100,200
OK
AT#SCAN=1,-104,1,360,1,360
OK
AT+CEDRXS=1,5,1011
OK
AT#PTW=0011
OK
AT+CPSMS=1,,,"00100001","00000101"
OK
AT#SLEEPMODE=1,10,0
OK
AT#RINGPIN=0,10,1,200
OK
AT#WAKEUPEVENT=15,3
OK
AT#IPPARAMS=1,0,65535,60,1,"8.8.8.8"
OK
AT#WSCAN=2,1
OK
AT#WSCAN=3,1024
OK
AT#WSCAN=4,0
OK
AT#NVMWR=5,12,1,9
OK
AT#RESET=1
AT#SLEEPMODE
OK
#REBOOT_HOST
#SIMST: 1
+CEREG: 2,"","",,,,"",""

[Didier HERROUIN · Accepted solution]

Dear M. Klosinski,

Please check with Soracom that the data plan included in your SIM includes NBIOT coverage. I have tried to find the information, but it is not so clear.

What is the country from where you perform your tests ?
Be aware that in the latest ST87M01 eval kit (EVKITST87M01-2 ), a SIM is included in the package, allowing plug-and-play evaluation (in Europe).

Concerning the configuration of the modem, you should install the startup package : STSW-ST87MGUI | Product - STMicroelectronics: It will install the GUI and it will create a folder (accessible from the GUI) with multiple docs and Application Notes inside (AT commands list, design guide, power supply recommendation, etc...), to guide you through the configuration of the modem depending on your application.

Best regards,

Didier Herrouin

[RIchard Klosinski]

Im in the US. I just downloaded the GUI, and, of course, the Windows version does not seem to connect via parallel. I'm trying to switch my product from the NRF9151 to the ST87M01-1301, but ST is making it very difficult. It's like a nightmare navigating things like the SIM provider does not work in the US, even though you ship a product here. Even the gui does not allow configuration for US markets.

'll contact Soracom, but I can't waste too much more time moving my product to the ST87 when I can just add a cheap wifi part into my existing, functional design using the NRF9151 and call it a day. I have used the ST products for 20 years, and never really needed support. Now that I do, it's been a nightmare. 

[Didier HERROUIN]

Dear M. Klosinski,

I agree with your position, you should keep your current design.

Indeed, ST87M01 is a cheap NBIOT product, which can not be compared to NRF9151 in term of features (and price). They do not target the same applications. And to avoid any misunderstanding, the "WiFi" can only be used for positioning, it can not be used for data transmission/reception. 

Moreover, the EVALKITST87M01-2 covers the European bands (1/3/5/8/20/28) and the SIM card included in the box can not work in US. Probably, the bands supported by your operator will be 4 and 12 (maybe 5) : the appropriate ST87M01 version will come later.

Best regards,
Didier Herrouin